As we approach January 1st, 2025, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) will mark a significant milestone: 50 years of ensuring safer workplaces across the UK.

The Health & Safety at Work Act 1974, the benchmark for workplace health and safety legislation, provided the framework for establishing the HSE, an organisation charged with overseeing the regulation of hazards, including radon, in the workplace. Since its inception, the HSE has worked to protect workers from health risks, and in recent years, the issue of radon has become a greater area of focus.

Radon and workplace safety: a key focus

Radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas, continues to be of concern when it comes to workplace safety. Exposure to elevated levels of radon gas can cause significant illness, and the risks associated with this gas are still prevalent, particularly in buildings situated in areas with higher radon concentrations, which are often found in certain parts of the South West, Wales, the Midlands and Northern England to name a few.

Under the Health & Safety at Work Act, employers are required to assess all potential health risks in the workplace, including the presence of radon. The legislation mandates that businesses take necessary actions to protect employees from these risks, which might involve testing for radon levels and implementing control measures if required.

Radon risks in workplaces often go unrecognised, as many people are unaware of the dangers or the existence of guidance for managing radon exposure. However, the HSE has been increasingly proactive in addressing this issue through enforcement actions.

In recent years, the HSE has ramped up its inspections and compliance checks, particularly in industries where employees are more likely to work in basements or underground areas, such as in construction, mining, and some public sector workplaces. When radon risks are identified, the HSE acts decisively to ensure compliance with safety regulations, including issuing improvement notices and even taking legal action where necessary.

The evolution of radon regulation in the UK

The responsibility for managing radon risks has shifted over the years, with several organisations involved in its regulation and research. In the 1980s, the National Radiological Protection Board (NRPB) was the primary body responsible for researching and advising on radon hazards. It was during this time that initial research into the health effects of radon exposure began to gain traction. As radon awareness grew, the NRPB’s role expanded beyond research to policy guidance and regulatory input.

In 2005, the NRPB was absorbed into the Health Protection Agency (HPA), which took over its duties of protecting public health against various hazards, including radiation. The HPA itself evolved into Public Health England (PHE) in 2013, a further consolidation of public health functions within the UK government. In 2021, PHE was replaced by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which now oversees radon risk management along with other public health priorities.

Throughout these transitions, the focus on radon as a significant health risk has remained, though the responsibility for public education, advice, and regulation has shifted as various bodies took charge. Now, UKHSA works closely with HSE, local authorities, and other regulatory bodies to ensure that radon levels in workplaces are monitored, and that businesses comply with existing radon safety laws.

Moving forward: the role of employers

As we commemorate 50 years of the Health & Safety at Work Act, it’s crucial that businesses continue to take radon seriously. Testing for radon and implementing risk management strategies is not only a legal responsibility, but a vital component of protecting employees’ health.

As a leading provider of radon testing and mitigation, at PropertECO we advise that employers take advantage of the resources available to ensure compliance with radon-related regulations. This includes conducting regular radon risk assessments, especially in areas known for elevated radon levels, and applying mitigation solutions if necessary.

With the HSE’s focus on maintaining a safe working environment for all, it’s clear that the next 50 years will continue to see progress in managing radon risks, safeguarding workers from this hidden danger. As the landscape of workplace safety evolves, so too will our understanding of radon and the ways in which it can be managed, ensuring that we remain proactive in reducing the long-term health risks it presents.

While the HSE’s 50-year legacy is worth celebrating, the work is far from over. For those responsible for workplace safety, radon is still a serious risk, and it remains essential to stay informed and up-to-date with the evolving guidelines and regulatory standards designed to protect workers’ health. For more information on how we may be able to help you, click here now.